For as the lamb toward his death is brought, So stood this innocent before the king: This falsë knight, that had this treason wrought, Bore her in hand 1596 that she had done this thing: But natheless there was great murmuring Among the people, that say they cannot guess That she had done so great a wickedness.

For they had seen her ever virtuoús, And loving Hermegild right as her life: Of this bare witness each one in that house, Save he that Hermegild slew with his knife: This gentle king had caught a great motife 1597 Of this witness, and thought he would inquere Deeper into this case, the truth to lear. 1598